Eating right can be a challenge. Not only do you have to spend money to keep food on the table, but you have to make sure that you’re eating healthy. Sadly, the cheapest food at any grocery store is also usually the most unhealthy, which is a big reason why the United States has such a serious problem with obesity. Too many people end up eating processed, high-calorie, fatty foods because the price is right. After all, people can’t be expected to apply for payday loans online just so they can say that they eat well. Fortunately, they don’t have to.
Yes, the cheapest food is often the least healthy but don’t fret. There are plenty of healthy and nutritious foods you can buy that won’t completely destroy your food budget. I’m not talking about expensive “organic foods, either; these are staple foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables that make for some nutritious meals, and they can all be purchased for around $2.00 or less. The prices for these foods may vary depending on location and the time of year but they should help you follow a healthy diet without leaving you completely broke.
Brown Rice
When a lot of people think of rice, what comes to mind is often cheap, white Minute Rice that has virtually no flavor. This is unfortunate, because the right kind of rice can taste great when it’s prepared correctly. For example, brown rice goes great in casseroles, soups, stews or as a side dish. It usually costs about $1.75 per pound. If you keep in mind that one serving of rice is 1/4 of a cup of dry rice, the result is 10 servings in a one-pound bag. Brown rice is also healthier and tastier than white rice, so you won’t have to worry about being stuck with a “boring” side dish.
Whole-Wheat Pasta
Pasta is practically a staple in our household. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare and make into a variety of hot or cold dishes, but it is relatively inexpensive. You should be able to find a 13 to 16-ounce box of store-brand pasta for less than $2 at your local grocery store. That should yield about seven servings for you. If you really want to eat healthily while enjoying Italian food, stick to whole-wheat or multigrain pasta. It has more fiber and isn’t as processed as white pasta. Combine it with a cheap jar of marinara sauce for a quick and inexpensive meal that you will love.
Old-Fashioned Oats
A 13-ounce container of old-fashioned oats will cost you about $3.99. While that’s certainly more expensive than many of the other items on this list, it will also give you about 30 servings. In short, you’ll be getting your money’s worth. Oats are great for hot and cold breakfast cereals or as crumb toppings for desserts.
Frozen Vegetables
Although canned vegetables are usually cheaper, they usually aren’t very appetizing. In fact, most people who grew up hating vegetables were probably stuck eating the soggy contents of an aluminum can for most meals. If you want some vegetables that actually taste fresh but you can’t make it to a farmer’s market, buy a few bags of frozen vegetables. A bag of frozen vegetables will cost anywhere from $1.19 to about $2.25 depending on the vegetable and the size of the bag. Simply thaw them out on a stovetop or a microwave, and you’ll have a fresh-tasting side dish for your next meal. Frozen vegetables are also great for casseroles; you don’t even need to thaw them out for most casserole recipes.
As you can see, eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to involve spending a lot of money. These foods are all inexpensive, but they are also ideal for a number of nutritious and balanced meals. Always remember that you don’t have to buy expensive “organic” foods to be healthy, and you don’t always have to take shortcuts to save money.
Or you could look into one of those payday loans online at Northcash.com and order a pizza. It’s up to you.